I meant to take the last 5 days off. I wasn’t going to begin any new projects, and I was only going to work on old projects if I wanted to. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Only work on what I want to work on when I want to work on it?

I was surprised to find out, it wasn’t easy for me. Yes, I did plenty of fun and relaxing things. But at the same time, I often felt a pull to work on pushing my goals forward. It was hard to resist the urge to think about future projects or launch some new course or challenge.

Then yesterday, I heard a great question.

Is your motivation coming from your head or from your heart? What’s driving that urge?

I’ll venture to say the mind is where many of our misguided drivers reside. The menacing drivers that take residence in the head are things like our ego, our fears, our judgements, and our doubts, Then our inner critic gives them all a voice.

Read more about 4 common drivers that are robbing you of an awesome life. 4 Things Are Robbing You of Your Most Amazing Life.

If you feel compelled to constantly achieve and produce more, take a deep breath and examine why.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
― Lao Tzu

Is that drive to produce coming from your head? Or is it coming from your heart?

Is it a desire for perfection?
To be recognized, liked, or admired?
To live up to someone else’s or society’s expectations?
Do you trust you’re already good enough?
Do you love yourself?

You likely already have enough on your plate.

Then next time you feel compelled to take on a new project, or make something “bigger and better” take a pause. Ask the chatter in your mind to be quiet for a few minutes. Get quiet and check in with the wisdom that resides deep in your chest.

When I find myself focusing more on being busy than simply being in the moment, it’s an indication to take a step back and quiet my mind.

“Most people’s minds are almost always too busy for them to feel their skins being caressed by the wind or the sun.”
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Your inner wisdom knows the right next step for you. Now have the courage to listen to it. We work hard to learn how to say no to others. If the urge that’s driving you is coming from your head, be brave now and say no to is as well.

Thanks for reading! I help Type A’s like you and me find their Zen.